Lionel Messi’s new obsession with the Marvel Cinematic Universe has created headlines again as the superstar emulated another Marvel superhero while celebrating his goal against Orlando City. However, this theme has received mixed emotions from the fans.
After scoring the first goal against Orlando City through a delectable chest trap and volley, Messi pulled out the “Wakanda Forever” celebration, crossing the arms on his chest. However, his celebration was not ‘celebrated’ by all on X. One of the fans replied: “Messi Trying to Stay Relevant in the McDonalds League,” on X and some wring out the pose as “Cringe”.
Messi trying to stay relevant in the McDonalds league🤣🤣
— Crypto Ace (@CryptoAce21) August 3, 2023
Cringe 😬
— M (@anngrypakiistan) August 3, 2023
hes so cringe 😭😭
— 🇫🇷⁷ (@KyliansEra) August 3, 2023
The celebration did not sit well with some of the supporters who thought Messi‘s actions are only intended to connect with the US audience where the MCU characters are immensely famous. This, according to some fans, is demeaning the legacy of the actor Chadwick Boseman. Boseman tragically succumbed to cancer in 2020.
Disrespecting a dead guy only possible by a pakistani
— Noname (@da39007142) August 3, 2023
Some fans have also spotted a pattern and speculated a business deal. Messi’s emulation of Thor and Black Panther can be a hint that he is tied to a contract with Disney. On a similar note, Messi has received huge contracts from Apple and Adidas for joining the MLS. “first thor now this, Disney got him on a contract too?” the fans said.
first thor now this, disney got him on a contract too?
— Capitano🌹 (@redRiveraa) August 3, 2023
Even though there is a debate among the fans on the purpose of this celebration, some are expressing that celebrations in soccer are a personal choice for each player. As long as celebrations do not cross boundaries or offend others, players should be free to celebrate uniquely.
Messi’s Thor Celebration Against Atlanta United
In his previous match against Atlanta United, Messi celebrated by summoning Mjolnïr. This is a reference to another MCU superhero, Thor, the Norse god of thunder. He summons his hammer, Mjolnïr, by holding out his hand to grasp it.
The celebration did create confusion as some fans mistook it for Darth Vader’s choke hold. However, Messi’s wife Antonela Rocuzzo clarified it on her social platforms later.
Antonela confirmed that Messi’s celebration referred to Thor. ✅ pic.twitter.com/L6OXFiZFlG
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 27, 2023
Messi’s eldest son is a big fan of Thor and Messi was celebrating the goal by posing for his son. Fans are expressing that the Argentinean is destroying the defenses of his opponents with ease same as Thor’s hammer destroying their enemies. Messi’s celebrations as a superhero have become iconic and have helped him create a unique brand image.
So you’re saying this is what he really meant 😅 pic.twitter.com/c2p4FNMRcH
— anonymous_RPM🇹🇹 (@KLayneFilms) July 28, 2023
First he was Thor, now Black Panther, next game he will be Spider Man
— AD 🏴🇦🇷 (@adamdandler6) August 3, 2023
Fans around the world eagerly await his goal celebrations, wondering which superhero he will imitate next. Some have taken this celebration to another level by posting memes of poses by Marvel superheroes and which would be the next celebration of Messi on his next goal.